Cusco Weather Month by Month: When to Visit Cusco and Machu Picchu
Cusco Weather Month by Month: the Definitive Trip-Planning Guide
Cusco has two sharply defined seasons: the dry season (May to September) and the rainy season (October to April). The annual average temperature is 12 °C (54 °F), but the perceived temperature can swing 25 degrees between midnight and midday. If you plan to trek, visit Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, the month you choose completely changes the experience.
TL;DR — The short answer
Best time to visit Cusco: May, June, September and October. Worst month: February (heavy rain, Inca Trail closed). Busiest month: July (northern-hemisphere summer holidays + Peru's national holidays).
| Month | Rain | Day/night temp. | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | High | 19°C / 7°C | Jungle, intense green |
| February | Very high | 19°C / 7°C | ❌ Inca Trail closed |
| March | High | 19°C / 7°C | End of rains, green landscapes |
| April | Low | 20°C / 6°C | ✅ Sweet spot, few tourists |
| May | Minimal | 20°C / 3°C | ✅ Clear skies |
| June | None | 20°C / 0°C | ✅ Peak weather quality |
| July | None | 20°C / -1°C | ⚠ Crowds, Inti Raymi aftermath |
| August | None | 21°C / 1°C | ⚠ Crowds, wind |
| September | Low | 21°C / 4°C | ✅ Post-peak sweet spot |
| October | Medium | 22°C / 6°C | ✅ Good weather, fewer people |
| November | Medium-high | 21°C / 7°C | Rains begin |
| December | High | 20°C / 7°C | Festivities, Santuranticuy |
Cusco month by month in detail
January — Green, rainy, romantic
Near-daily afternoon rain (10–15 mm/day), mornings usually clear. The countryside is spectacular: green terraces, a swollen Urubamba river, orchids in the cloud forest. Machu Picchu stays open, and so does the Inca Trail. Pros: low prices, fewer tourists. Cons: slippery trails, views sometimes hidden by cloud.
February — The month to avoid
Peak rainfall (~140 mm for the month). The Inca Trail closes all February for SERNANP maintenance. The train to Aguas Calientes can suffer cancellations when the river floods. Not impossible to visit — Salkantay and the Machu Picchu train keep running — but it is the worst experience of the year. If February is your only window, prioritize a Machu Picchu Full Day and save Rainbow Mountain for another trip.
March — The rains say goodbye
Rainfall drops from mid-month. The landscape is at its greenest just as the tourists have not yet arrived. Excellent value for money. It still rains 2–3 times a week, but lighter. Best for: the Sacred Valley (terraces bursting green) and Machu Picchu at peak vegetation.
April — The golden season begins
The official sweet spot: barely any rain, increasingly clear skies, the Andes still green before drying out. Holy Week is the only tourist spike; demand drops afterwards. Flexible bookings, still-moderate prices. The best month for Rainbow Mountain without rain or crowds.
May — The best month of the year
Pleasant days (20 °C), cold but bearable nights (3–5 °C). Zero rain, deep blue skies, unlimited visibility. The Andes dry into golden-brown tones. The optimal balance of great weather and low crowds. Best for: the Inca Trail, Salkantay 5D, Choquequirao.
June — Peak weather quality (and frosts)
Cloudless skies and comfortable sun, but nights drop to 0 °C or below (especially at Inca Trail camps around 3,600 m). High season begins. Book 2–3 months ahead. June 24: Inti Raymi, the Inca festival of the sun — spectacular, but hotels triple in price and everything fills up.
July — Lots of people, lots of sun
The most touristy month of the year. US/Europe summer holidays + Peru's national holidays (July 28–29). Full hotels, expensive flights, Machu Picchu quotas sold out months ahead. Going in July? Book in March or April.
August — Strong sun, wind, dust
Weather-wise like July, but with strong winds in the highlands (Rainbow Mountain, Salkantay). Morning frosts on the Inca Trail can reach −5 °C. Tip: trekking the Inca Trail in August? Bring a −10 °C sleeping bag.
September — The new sweet spot
The crowds leave, but the weather stays perfect. Mild days (21 °C), nights less cold than June (3–5 °C). The occasional cloud reappears. Best if you want ideal weather without fighting for tickets.
October — The last window before the rains
Intermittent rain appears, but little. Vegetation starts to re-green. Prices drop, hotels open up. Pro tip: combine Cusco + the Amazon this month (Madre de Dios has ideal weather in October).
November — The first serious rains
Regular afternoon rain, mornings still clear. The landscape greens quickly. Religious festivities in Sacred Valley villages.
December — Rain + December magic
Frequent rain (~130 mm/month). On December 24 the Plaza de Armas hosts Santuranticuy (the traditional Christmas market) — one of the most authentic cultural events of the year. If changeable weather does not bother you, it is a month with real character.
What to pack by month
May to September (dry): layered clothing (thermal + fleece + windbreaker), gloves and a hat for the nights, UV400 sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, moisturizer.
October to April (rainy): all of the above + a quality waterproof jacket (not a flimsy poncho), waterproof trekking pants, grippy shoes, mosquito repellent (high jungle), plastic bags to protect electronics.
Key festivals to plan around
- June 24 — Inti Raymi: Cusco's biggest tourist event of the year. Spectacular but pricey.
- July 28–29 — Fiestas Patrias: Peru's national holiday; everything full.
- Holy Week (April, variable): traditional processions in Cusco.
- December 24 — Santuranticuy: Christmas market on the Plaza de Armas.
- January 6 — Bajada de Reyes: Cusco celebrates with mass and brass bands.
The final call
If your priority is PERFECT WEATHER: June or September. If your priority is FEW PEOPLE: April, May, October. If your priority is BUDGET: March, October, November. If your priority is CULTURE: June (Inti Raymi) or December (Santuranticuy). If you want to AVOID THE WORST: do not come in February.
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